Sports
President Allays Fear Over Nigerian Athletes Sanction
The President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Tonobok Okowa, has allayed fears that Nigeria will be sanctioned by the World Anti-Doping Agency after its National Anti-Doping Agency failed to comply with the World Anti-Doping Code, Saturday Tidesports source reports.
This is the second time in four years that WADA threatened to sanction Nigeria for its sloppy handling of anti-doping issues, including domesticating international anti-doping rules.
But Okowa believes that the sports ministry will amicably resolve the lingering issues concerning Nigeria’s anti-doping agency and WADA.
WADA, in a statement made available to our correspondent November 16, stated that the country’s anti-doping agency had not addressed several critical requirements after an audit was carried out in October 2022.
Venezuela and Tunisia were the other countries found guilty of the same offence.
The world body also handed NADO a deadline of December 8 to comply or face damaging consequences which would affect funding, their right to host or co-host regional, continental and World Championships.
WADA added that should NADO fail to meet the stipulated deadline, it would lose its privileges until the reinstatement conditions were met.
The statement from WADA to NADO partly read, “The Nigeria NADO’s representatives will be ineligible to participate in any WADA Independent Observer Program or WADA Outreach Program or other WADA activities.
“The Nigeria NADO’s representatives will be ineligible to sit as members of the boards or committees or other bodies of any Signatory (or its members) or association of signatories until the reinstatement conditions set out below are met (see ISCCS Article B.3.1 (d)).
“Nigeria’s flag will not be flown at regional, continental and World Championships, and events, organised by major event organisations (other than the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games), until the reinstatement conditions set out below are met.”
Speaking with Saturday PUNCH, Okowa said, “The sports ministry is handling the issue and eventually they will tell us how to go about it.
“All necessary documents have been packaged and sent to WADA about NADO and Nigeria’s action plans.
“Nigeria won’t be sanctioned. That matter has been on since the previous tenure but the sports minister has assured that it will be resolved, so, we are waiting to hear from them.”
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.